The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-11-12
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our Regular Correspondent.)

our TleSuldr COrreSpO0Qent.l
WASHINGTON, Noy. 9Th, 1887,
One of the loveliest places about
Washington is the National Gene.
terry at Arlington, just across the riv-
err, 1t is the old historic homestead
of the GUSTS family, where Washing
ton married Martha. 1t was also the
home of General Lee, at the break.
ing out of the rebellion and was con-
fiscated by the Government, but SUBJ
sequently purchased from the Lee
heirs by the United States at cost of
$3.50, 900. Nineteen thousand Union
soldiers lie buried here. The grounds
are laid out in broad avenues shaded
by primeval oaks and towering elms,
and the drives and winding walks
amid the flowers and leafy dells and
ravines that overlook the Capital
City. present view of unpar illeled
magnificance. There Is always a
throng of visitors there, and the
stranger within our gates who fails to
visit Arlington, loses one of the love-
Hest scenes in all the land.
Another place of surprising beauty
is Oak Hill Cemetary, situated on
Rock Greek, in what is known local.
ly as West Washington, but IN for.
mer times as the old city of George
town. Way back, years ago, George.
town was an important place, and
was made the first port of entry I'M
der the establishment of the Federal
constitution. 1t is a dingy looking
place now, with population of about
1880 with large preponderance of
the colored element. The citizens
show little enterprise compared with
the balance of the District, and dur
ing the war it was emphaticalIy the
secession hot bed of this section. Ma
ture made here the loveliest burial
place that eye ever rested upon,
which has been most beautifully
adorned by the lavish expenditure of
large sums. 1t is handsomely laid
out in terraces giving the most en-
trancing and picturesque views of
hill and valley and vista. Eight
thousand are buried here, many of
whom achieved great reputation in
craftsmanship, literature, and art,
and won imperishable renown in de-
Tending the Nations flag on sea and
land, A walk amid its shady bow
ers. polished marble, gentle cascades,
and sparkling fountains. inspires
thought, softens nature, and melts
the heart, What lovely place is
Oak Hill. Thousands every Sabbath
seek this Elysian retreat, and hold
sweet communion with the Beauti-
full Beyond.
The Washington Navy Yard hav-
ing been changed to an ordnance
plant, necessitates a large amount of
new machinery. There is now be-
ing built for use, among numerous
other things. six huge iron lathes,
1870 feet in length, and weighing 200
tons each. They are models of in
yentive genius, and are so construct
ed that work on both the outside and
inside of the mammoth guns may be
carried on at the same time. Three
of these guns are nearly completed,
are nearly thirty feet in length. and
will throw twelve inch projectile
distance Of ten miles with marvellous
precision. The Secretary of the Ma
Wy Department is entitled to much
credit for his persistent effort to give
us a Navy worthy of the American
Nation, and it is hoped Congress will
not be parsimonious in making the
needed appropriations. A large Jap
anese naval party, who are inspecting
the navies of the world, will be here
this week to see what we can show.
A convention of the Evangelical
Allience of the United States will
commence its annual session in this
city on Dec, 7th., and the churches
are making great preparation to re-
ceive the delegates, about 1900 of
whom are expected to be present.
On the 25th of this month there
will he most notable gathering at
the Smithsonian Institute, of the
leading Scientists of the country in
commemoration of the late Professor